While the state of Georgia does not license handymen, you will need a contractor’s license to do any work valued at more than $2,500. You also need specialty licenses in things like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing to do work in those areas, no matter the value of the project.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about working as a handyman in Georgia.
Understanding License Requirements
Unlike most other states, Georgia doesn’t issue a specific handyman license and allows you to do basic repair and maintenance work without a state license. These include:
- Basic home repairs
- Painting
- Door and window installation
- Furniture assembly
- Minor plumbing repairs like fixing leaky faucets
- Basic electrical work like changing light fixtures
There are limits, however. If a job costs more than $2,500, you need a contractor’s license. Also, some specific types of work always need special licenses, even if the job costs less than $2,500. These include:
- Major electrical work
- Complex plumbing jobs
- HVAC system work
- Structural changes to buildings
Steps to Start Your Handyman Business
1. Choose your business structure
Decide whether to work as a sole proprietor or create an LLC. Most handymen start as sole proprietors because it’s simpler and costs less.
2. Register your business
- Go to the Georgia Secretary of State’s website
- Fill out the business registration form
- Pay the registration fee
- Wait about 1-2 weeks for approval
3. Get local permits
- Visit your city or county office
- Apply for a business license
4. Buy insurance
Even though Georgia doesn’t require insurance by law, you should get:
- General liability insurance to protect against accidents
- Tools and equipment coverage
- Vehicle insurance if you use a work van or truck
5. Understand tax requirements
Register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If you plan to hire employees, you’ll need an EIN from the IRS.
Even if you work alone, getting an EIN helps separate your personal and business finances. You can apply for free on the IRS website in about 15 minutes.
State Tax ID: Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for:
- State income tax withholding (if you have employees)
- Sales tax collection (if you sell materials to customers)
Remember: Georgia law limits handyman work to jobs under $2,500. For anything bigger, you’ll need a contractor’s license. Keep good records of all your jobs to prove you’re staying under this limit.
Right to Repair Act
Georgia’s Right to Repair Act governs how construction disputes must be handled, which affects handymen working in the state.
Pre-Construction Requirements
Handymen must give homeowners written notice of their repair rights before beginning any construction or improvements. This notice needs to be clearly visible and can be part of the contract.
Notification Process
Homeowners who want to sue must first send a written notice 90 days before filing. They need to:
- Describe what’s wrong with the construction
- Include evidence of the problems
- Send it by certified mail or overnight delivery with tracking
What Happens Next
After getting a defect notice, handymen have 30 days to respond in writing. Once they inspect the property, they have 14 days to offer one of these:
- Fix all or part of the problem for free
- Pay money to settle the issue
- Some combination of repairs and payment
What Handymen Can Do
Handymen can:
- Look at the property to check the problems
- Start repairs without looking first
- Offer to pay instead of fixing
- Write back explaining why they think no repairs are needed
Legal Requirements
The law tries to solve problems before they go to court. Cases involving injuries or deaths don’t require the 90-day notice. If homeowners agree to repairs, they must let the handyperson in to do the work.
This system helps both sides by laying out clear steps for solving construction problems before turning to lawsuits.
Handyman License Local Requirements
While Georgia doesn’t ask for a state handyman license for jobs under $2,500, your city might have its own rules. Here’s what you need to know about working in Georgia’s major cities:
Atlanta
- Business license: You’ll need one from Atlanta’s Office of Revenue, even for home-based repair work.
- Application process: Just bring basic info about your business and payment. They’ll want to know your business name, where you work, and what repairs you do. Your fee changes based on how much money you think you’ll make.
- Renewal: Every year, you’ll renew based on what you made last year.
Augusta
- Business license: Augusta needs you to get one through their Licensing and Permits Department.
- Zoning compliance: Before issuing a business license, the city will check to ensure your business location complies with local zoning laws.
- Fees: The cost of the business license depends on your estimated annual revenue and the type of services you provide.
Savannah
- Business Tax Certificate: You’ll need one from Savannah’s Revenue Department.
- Application requirements: Please bring your ID, business details, and payment. Your fee will depend on your expected earnings this year.
- Renewal: Like other cities, you’ll need to renew it yearly.
Columbus
- Occupation Tax Certificate: This is what Columbus calls their business license.
- Application process: You’ll fill out a form, show proof of insurance, and pay a fee based on expected earnings.
- Zoning compliance: Before issuing the certificate, the city will verify that your business location complies with local zoning regulations.
Macon
- Business license: Get this through Macon-Bibb County Business Development Services.
- Application process: The application requires information about your business, including its name, address, and type of services. Your fee will depend on your projected income.
- Renewal: Like other cities, renew yearly based on last year’s earnings.
Get Started Today
People value their time more than ever, which is why so many turn over their household maintenance and repair jobs to a handyman. So if you have the skills, there’s money to be made. Home Gnome gives handymen an edge by connecting you with jobs in your area, saving you time and money and letting you focus on the work. Sign up now.
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock / License created using Canva Pro
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